As a surrogate, you’re responsible for carrying a healthy and happy baby for the next nine months. One of the best things you can do to ensure a healthy baby is to take proper care of yourself. While some things about surrogate health are obvious, like avoiding dangerous substances, there are other things you’ll want to know about to make your surrogacy experience a good one.
Here’s what you can and cannot do during your surrogacy:
Do Eat a Balanced & Wholesome Diet
A proper diet is crucial during your surrogacy. You’ll want to eat healthy and wholesome foods including fruits, vegetables, and protein. You want to avoid potentially dangerous foods like fish high in mercury, undercooked meat and eggs, as well as unpasteurized dairy products.
Eating a healthy diet not only ensures you’re in tip-top shape, it also ensures that the baby you’re carrying receives the proper nutrients needed to grow.
Diet aside, it’s also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Be sure to drink water helps to transfer critical vitamins and minerals to the baby. Dehydration can lead to premature birth, so drink up!
Do Get Enough Rest
Sleep is important in making this pregnancy as enjoyable as possible. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep in each night. After your first trimester, you likely need to start sleeping on your side, as sleeping on your back can potentially interrupt the blood supply to the baby.
For more comfortable sleep:
- Use a body pillow or pillow between your legs
- Stick to a schedule
- Eat smaller meals
By getting the sleep you need, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed. The more rest you get, the better!
Do Practice Safe Sex
As a surrogate, no one expects your sex life to be halted for the next nine months. However, there are some conditions you’ll need to follow. To start, you’ll need to abstain from sex for at least two weeks before and after the embryo transfer.
Once the transfer has been deemed a success, you can return to your normal sex life. You’re expected to remain monogamous, and your partner must not be suffering from any type of infectious disease. Your contract will give you the guidelines that your Intended Parents would like you to follow as far as your sexual life is concerned with some requiring longer periods of abstinence.
Surrogacy agencies may also have certain rules that surrogates must follow in regards to sexual activity, so be sure to inquire.
Do Exercise
Exercising while pregnant is beneficial for you and the child you’re carrying. While you may be anxious about physical activity, the fact is that exercising is rarely dangerous.
By exercising, you’ll sleep better and be less stressed. Exercise also lowers blood pressure! The key to safe exercise is to keep it at moderate levels. When exercising, you should be able to hold a conversation, and you shouldn’t become exhausted.
For safe physical activity, give low-impact exercises like yoga or walking a try.
Most importantly, listen to your body. If it feels like you’re doing too much, you probably are!
Provide the Gift of Life as a Surrogate
Want to learn more about surrogacy pros and cons? Interested in determining if you’re eligible to become a surrogate? If so, we’re here to help! At 3 Sisters Surrogacy, we will work with you step by step, including an application, in-home meeting, and health assessments.
Give the gift of life and experience the beauty of carrying a child for intended parents. Call our office today at 877.976.9483 to schedule a free surrogacy consultation.
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